Health bosses have warned this is the worst flu season since the winter of 2010/11

More than 55 per cent (2,432) were suffering influenza B, the vast majority caused by Japanese flu, the latest figures reveal.

Another 426 people were admitted with deadly Aussie flu, with 14 fighting for their lives with the deadly H3N2 strain.

The number of people thought thought to have been struck down by flu over the past week remained at 8.3 million, the same as the previous week, according to the online tool FluSurvey.

According to the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) flu admissions across the UK were up 150 per cent since the start of 2018, according to their data.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AUSSIE FLU?

Symptoms of Aussie flu are similar to those caused by normal flu but they are more severe. Here are some signs to look out for:

Sore throat and cough

Headache

Fever

Muscle ache

Fatigue

Runny nose and sneezing

People should recover from normal flu within a week so, although the cough and fatigue may last longer.

So if you’re still really ill after seven days, it’s a good indication of something more serious.

Aussie flu can lead to pneumonia and other potentially fatal complications.

Those most at risk are the over 65s, pregnant women, young kids and those with chronic conditions – like diabetes, lung and heart disease.

About 31,000 patients visited their doctor with flu-like symptoms between January 15-21, roughly the same amount as the last seven days.

Professor Paul Cosford, medical director of Public Health England, said: “Our data continues to show that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospital with flu.

FLU-ED UP Is YOUR child eligible for a free flu jab? Parents urged to protect their kids from Aussie flu

“In terms of hospital admission, this is the most significant flu season since the winter of 2010/11 and the preceding pandemic year of 2009, although it is not an epidemic.

“We are currently seeing a mix of flu types, including the H3N2 strain that circulated last winter in the UK and then in Australia.

“The best form of protection against flu is to get the vaccine if you are eligible and to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene.”

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the RCGP, said: "The best prevention for flu, other than observing good hygienic practices, such as regular hand washing, is for people, particularly those in at-risk groups, including patients with long-term conditions and pregnant women, to get their flu jab. It is not too late to receive some benefit from vaccination.

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"If someone does have the flu, unfortunately there is no cure, but patients can assist their own recovery through taking plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids as it is easy to become dehydrated.

"Fevers and muscle ache, which are often symptoms of flu can also be improved with paracetamol or ibuprofen, if appropriate.

"We do encourage patients who are ill to think hard about whether they do need to see a GP – not just in terms of reducing pressures on the NHS, but to minimise the possibility of passing viruses, such as flu, to other people, particularly in at-risk groups, such as those with long-term conditions or pregnant women."

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